“If you look at the figures being bandied about it’s not the figure I bought him for.

“When the guy came in people were saying to me ‘who is he and why are you going for someone from Genk?’ With what he’s done he’s a cult hero

“He’s only 22 and he’s got years and years ahead of him. He’s not at his peak, but what he’s done for me and for the club is fantastic.”

Asked if Villa would be able to keep hold of him whether they were in the Premier League or Championship next season, Lambert replied: “If someone wanted to buy “Christian they’d better have a few quid in their pocket to buy him.

“He’s not just going to walk out of here for the value he came for, that’s for sure.

“We have given him the opportunity to show what he can do and I think he is loving his football at the moment.”

Lambert insists there have been no indications whatsoever from the powerhouse striker that he is unhappy at Villa and seeking a move away in the summer.

“If that’s the whispers coming back then..it’s funny that because he doesn’t speak! So I’ve not heard it. He’s a cracking big guy and really humble. If he keeps that he could be anything he wants to be.”